The wind gusts that hurled debris in the storm devastated homeowners and merchants as trees of enormous size were thrown down on houses and uprooted from the ground which caused extensive damage.

The pictures below were taken in the Town of DeMotte.

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Pictures provided by NWIMe.com

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In addition to the Chicago Baseball Glove Giveaway presented by Niemi Associates where the first 1,000 kids entering the gates at U. S. Steel Yard will take home either a blue or black glove (500 of each available), the appearance by May adds to what is sure to be an already exciting afternoon for fans in Northwest Indiana. The giveaway gloves will go fast so get in line early, grab a glove for the little one when the gates open at 1 p.m. and head out to the Diamond Club for the chance to meet Carlos May. To further celebrate, the RailCats will raffle off two sets of excellent seats to see the White Sox take on the Oakland Athletics the weekend of June 10.

May played 1,002 career games for the White Sox between 1968 and 1976. Before losing his right thumb to a mortar accident while on Marine Reserve Duty in August of 1969, May was selected AL Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News. May made a courageous comeback from the injury a year later, hitting .285 with 28 doubles. A two-time All-Star, May’s best slugging numbers came in 1973 when he hit 20 homers and drove in 96 runs.

The former outfielder and first baseman finished his White Sox career with exactly 1,000 hits and nearly 500 runs scored and RBI and currently serves as a community relations representative for the Sox.

Baseball returns to Northwest Indiana on Friday, June 3 when the RailCats take on the Winnipeg Goldeyes at 7:10 p.m. for Boyband Night. Come celebrate your favorite lip-syncing choreographers with the ‘Cats as we pay tribute to these men who sent girls of any age into a screaming frenzy. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the RailCats at 219.822.2255 or visit www.railcatsbaseball.com.

American English has been voted the best tribute band 3 of the past 4 years and has received the title of “Entertainer of the Year” in Illinois – and now they are coming to Valparaiso to take fans on an incredible journey from The Beatles early years, through their psychedelic era, and on down Abbey Road.

American English reproduces the history of The Beatles authentically with precise attention to every musical detail, in addition to costume changes and vintage instruments.

Sam Leach, the original promoter of The Beatles, says “American English is the best Beatle band on the planet.  Lightning has struck twice, first with The Beatles, and now again with American English.”

To learn more about the band and hear them play, visit the band’s website at www.americanenglishbeatles.com.

For more information, contact Allison Thomas at 219-464-9621, ext. 239 or allison.thomas@oppent.org.

Since 1967, OE has been a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing exceptional support and creating meaningful opportunities that allows its consumers to serve as an inspiration to the community.  For more information, visit www.oppent.org.

The Globetrotters demonstrated their high flying basketball skills while providing an evening of family entertainment as well as getting the local community involved.  Mayor David Uran was given an honorary spot on the Washington Generals roster for the evening.

The Mayor also presented a $2000 check to the Crown Point Parks Department which came from the proceeds of the evening’s entertainment.

The NWI community was also a part of the evening including a half time show by the Donna Brum Dancers from Schererville.

The main event, however, was the wildly entertaining exhibition of basketball skills that were presented by the Harlem Globetrotters as they embark on their latest world tour.    They have been doing this for 85 years and the history of the franchise has not been lost on this current incarnation of the team.  They have revolutionized the game and this year is no exception as they introduce the 4 point shot to their audiences.

The players understand how important it is to be the ambassadors of the game that they all love and respect.  They train hard just to be considered for the team and when they are finally selected it’s all about the fans.  After the game, they make it a point to sign autographs for each and every fan that wants one.  They pose for pictures and chat as everyone can’t seem to get enough of them.

Every kid in attendance will be telling all their friends in school for days to come.  Having them in so close in Northwest Indiana was exciting and provided memories to last a lifetime for everyone who attended this historical event.

The final score of the game was Harlem Globetrotters 122 – Washington Generals 101